SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2024 — The American Red Cross of the Bay Area is pleased to announce its 2024 Red Cross Gala raised $950,000 to support the organization’s work in blood donation and distribution.

Themed, “Building Bridges of Hope,” the gala took place on Thursday, March 21 at Pier 27 in San Francisco. The event was attended by more than 300 Bay Area notables who helped recognize this year’s honorees, the Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee and Delta Dental, and raise funds for Red Cross Blood Services. This video spotlights the need to raise funds for Blood Services to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Chaired by Elizabeth J. Folger and Patrick “Pat” Hayes, the red-tie event featured a cocktail reception with displays by Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, passed champagne by Longevity Wines and Chef Matt Hegel of Componere Fine Catering, a magazine-styled photo shoot experience by The Vanity Portrait Studio and live entertainment by SF Jazz and the Lucky Devils Band.

Highlights of the evening included a live auction featuring packages generously donated to support the Red Cross mission, including epicurean private food and wine tastings, an exclusive wine cellar’s dream package, a San Francisco Michelin-star dining experience and a collection of vintage magnums.

“The Gala is so much more than a special occasion; it’s an important fundraiser for an organization that relies on donations to fund its work,” said Elizabeth J. Folger, two-time Red Cross Gala Co-Chair. “By supporting Red Cross blood services, proceeds from this year’s Gala will help save lives. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and every dollar raised for blood services means the Red Cross is better positioned to collect and distribute blood to patients in need.”

HONOREES During the event, the Red Cross presented new and seasoned volunteers Michael Gregory, Kathryn W. Holmes, Nichole S. Jordan and Jasper Smith with the, “2023 Red Cross Humanitarians of the Year” award for their work as members of the Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee. Collectively, this committee has dedicated their time and talent to the Red Cross and supported Blood Services by donating blood, hosting blood drives, providing financial contributions and innovative ideas. This team is wholeheartedly committed to the Red Cross mission and serves as an inspiration to the organization.

“We are grateful to honor the Blood Services Committee’s dedication to our lifesaving mission,” shared Justin Mueller, Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “They serve as role models and inspirations to encourage the community to actively engage with various facets of our mission. Their tireless efforts contribute significantly to the well-being of countless lives, and we are thankful for their commitment and passion.”

The Red Cross also recognized Delta Dental as the, “2023 Red Cross Philanthropic Company of the Year”. A major financial supporter for 34 years, Delta Dental has been a Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program partner since 2017, pledging $500,000 in annual giving, ensuring that the Red Cross is ready to respond whenever disaster strikes. But their dedication doesn't stop there: they're involved in other meaningful ways, including hosting blood drives and employee engagement events, building personal hygiene kits, providing skill-based volunteers for our Code4Good program, a first-of-its-kind volunteer workforce that gives software engineers and engineering leaders an opportunity to support the Red Cross, and engaging board members.

“Delta Dental is proud to support the mission of the American Red Cross and honored to receive the 2024 Red Cross Philanthropic Company of the Year Award,” said Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President of Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. “Our partnership not only underscores our commitment to building resilient communities but also amplifies the efforts of the Red Cross in times of need.”

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Since its inception, this fundraiser’s purpose has remained steadfast: to celebrate, support and sustain the lifesaving programs and services of the Red Cross. Proceeds will support services where it’s needed the most, including disaster relief. The Gala is made possible by Gold Sponsors Delta Dental, Kathryn W. Holmes and The Clorox Company, Silver Sponsors Hewlett Packard and Lowe’s, and Bronze Sponsors Deloitte, Diane B. Wilsey, Eric & LeeAnn Woodward, Juan Benitez, Kaiser Permanente, Nichole S. Jordan, Rose & Keith White, Shannon & Michael Fahey, Visa and Waymo. Culinary and Beverage Partners include Summers Estate Wines, Longevity Wines, and Drake’s Brewing Company, floral arrangements are from Acme Florals Co., and our media partners include Nob Hill Gazette, KRON4 and KTVU Channel 2.

The 2024 Red Cross Gala committee includes Co-Chairs Elizabeth J. Folger and Patrick “Pat” Hayes, Committee members included Paula Elmore, Kenzie Ferguson, Hala Hijazi, Ingrid Swenson and Rose White. Honorary Committee Members include Juan Benitez, Kathryn W. Holmes, Nichole S. Jordan and Diane B. Wilsey.

For additional details, please visit redcross.org/redcrossgalasf.
Event photos are available here.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/bayarea or find us on Facebook and Twitter.